Forget the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race: Here’s the Wine Race March 22, 2023 The Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge has been a tradition since 1829 when two friends challenged each other to a race on Henley-on-Thames. But as Oxbridge’s sporting elite works up a sweat through 4.2 miles of hard rowing, I shall be enjoying the Oxford vs Cambridge of wine. Rooting for Oxford are Stephen and [...]
Joël Robuchon’s head sommelier shares her favourite wines March 7, 2023 A Glass of wine with: Charlotte Page, head sommelier at Joël Robuchon InternationalRecruiting the all-female team of Sommeliers at Mayfair’s glamorous fine-dining destination Le Comptoir Robuchon, and head of wine for Joël Robuchon International, Charlotte Page is the perfect drinking partner with whom to celebrate International Women’s Day. What got you into wine? Not a [...]
Celebrating women in wine this International Women’s Day March 7, 2023 This International Women’s Day we take a look at some of the women helping to revolutionise the industry – and their most deliciously drinkable bottles When attending a wine event, it is not uncommon to be met with a sea of men. The occasional woman is like a beacon, nodding in solidarity across the room. [...]
Why the 2021 Burgundy is great and why you probably can’t afford it February 8, 2023 L ondon was abuzz with Burgundy this January and the release of the challenging 2021 vintage En Primeur. To buy En Primeur is to purchase before the wine is officially on the market and means consumers can snap up wines at an often more favourable price point – something that would be very desirable for [...]
Straits Kitchen at the Pan Pacific hotel is great for Chinese wine January 28, 2023 If you’ve read about the rise of Chinese wine and are looking to explore its rise then there’s nowhere better than Straits Kitchen in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Sommelier Francois Bertrand is passionate about providing wines to fit their Asian menu, believing the variety and quality from China will surprise and delight. What unfolded over [...]
Why Chinese wine is so hot right now January 27, 2023 Sunday marked Chinese New Year, an excellent reason to sample some of the country’s incredible wines. Despite making wine for over 2,000 years, it is only relatively recently that winemaking has increased and started filtering into the UK’s market. “Wine is becoming popular because younger people are more influenced by Western tastes, and grape wine [...]
Rails in Kings Cross: A new fine dining option worthy of an early commute December 29, 2022 Rails is the new top dining spot at the transport hub that is King’s Cross, replacing Plum + Spilt Milk in a large airy space on the first floor of the Great Northern Hotel. Designed to be bold yet elegant the high-ceilinged dining room is full of warm wooden panelling, cream leather banquettes, hanging pendant [...]
The basic rules of wine etiquette: How to look suave this party season December 28, 2022 It is a social season and wine is being popped, poured, sipped and slurped across London. I am a big advocate of enjoying your beverage however you see fit, but for those attending more than one fancy do this winter there are some basic rules of wine-etiquette the casual imbiber might want to know. Though [...]
Piazza at the Royal Opera House is perfect for festive fun December 15, 2022 London is beautiful at Christmas and one of the most festive corners of our city is Covent Garden. Opening to the general public for the first time, Piazza is the fifth floor restaurant in the iconic Royal Opera House, boasting a huge terrace with panoramic views over Covent Garden’s holiday wonderland. The dining room is [...]
Pinot Noir: Why this classy grape should be your christmas wine December 15, 2022 There is something special about Pinot Noir. Beloved the world over, it has been referred to as “the heart break grape” due to its exacting demands on those growing it. It was immortalised in the film Sideways by the lead character’s impassioned speech: “Pinot needs constant care and attention, you know? And in fact, it [...]